Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware had successful surgery on his right elbow and is not expected to miss any time during the offseason program.

Ware had been bothered by the elbow injury the past two years but was recently diagnosed with a nerve issue. Ware explained that when he would bend his elbow the nerve would be exposed, and when it would get hit it would cause pain. Larry Allen had a similar surgery following the 2001 season and did not have an issue again.

Original Text

After suffering through a painful elbow injury for most of the 2013 NFL season, Dallas Cowboys pass-rusher DeMarcus Ware will undergo surgery on Feb. 18.

Todd Archer of ESPN.com provided the news, noting Ware expects to be able to participate in "most of the offseason program" with the Cowboys.

"It's been killing me," Ware said, via Archer. "It's hurt really bad and that's why I would wear an elbow pad to stop from getting it hit but that didn't do much. It would get irritated even when it was barely touched."

The nagging injury has been an issue for Ware the past two years, but it became a real problem in 2013, as the All-Pro was unable to perform at the level of excellence fans are used to seeing. Ware was able to log just six sacks, which was the lowest total of his nine-year career.

ESPN's Ed Werder wondered after the season if the star was unsuited to thrive in a 4-3 scheme, thanks to his low sack total:

However, it seems clear at this juncture that Ware's injury was likely the chief cause for his reduced production.

If surgery goes well, and if he's able to return fully healthy for the 2014 season, then Cowboys fans should expect to see Ware back to his old tricks once again, sacking quarterbacks on a regular basis.